Positives and Negatives of Computerized Testing

In recent years, there has been rapid growth in computerized psychological testing. Computers can now be used for test development, administration, scoring, and interpretation. However, several advantages and disadvantages are associated with computerized testing. This paper focuses on the positives and negatives associated with computerized testing.

Computerized testing is associated with several positives. The use of computers eliminates human error when scoring. Computers are more accurate in scoring than human beings. They are also time and cost-efficient. This is because reports can be availed immediately after the administration of a test, thus saving time. Besides, tests can be personalized and modified for individual test-takers. The test taker’s previous responses can be used to modify the difficulty of each question (Delgado-Gómez et al., 2019). Sound can also be incorporated in computerized testing. The use of voice feedback tools such as Kaizena makes it easier for the test administrators to provide feedback. Also, a test administered through computerized testing can be scheduled at a convenient time for both the test administrator and the test taker.

Even though there are so many advantages of computerized testing, this method is also accompanied by several problems. For instance, computer anxiety can limit the use of computerized testing. Older individuals with less experience or those without computers can become anxious. More than 60% of adults become anxious when using computers. Moreover, some strategies cannot be used in computerized testing (Baig et al., 2018). It does not allow test takers to skip challenging questions and come back later. The interpretation provided by computerized tests is also generalized and is more likely to be misperceived by a test taker.

All in all, computerized testing is associated with several advantages and disadvantages. It is time and cost-efficient since it provides an immediate report. Also, a test can be tailored based on the ability of the individual taking the test. It also allows a test administrator to use voice feedback. Computerized testing is convenient to both the test administrator and test taker since it can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for both parties. However, the use of computerized testing is limited by some individuals developing computer anxiety. Besides, strategies such as skipping challenging questions are not applicable to computerized testing. The fact that computerized tests provide generalized interpretations implies they can easily be misperceived by a test taker

References

Baig, W. A., Al-Zahrani, M., Al-Jubran, K. M., Chaudhry, T., & Qadri, A. A. (2018). Evaluation of Test Anxiety Levels among Preparatory Year Students of PSMCHS During Computer-Based Versus Paper-and-Pen Examination. International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences, 7(1), 48–52. www.ijmrhs.com

Delgado-Gómez, D., Laria, J. C., & Ruiz-Hernández, D. (2019). Computerized adaptive test and decision trees: A unifying approach. Expert Systems with Applications, 117, 358–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2018.09.052

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